Apparatus for packing cartridges in boxes.



. Patented Oct. 22, -l90l. A a. NLPETERS, M APPARATUS FOR PACKING CARTRIDGES IN BOXES.

(Appfichtion filed Jan. 5, 1 899.)

6 Shafts-Sheet I.

1 h| ll|ll 0M0w0 owomo m g M \\0 0 0 0 00 0 v w $0 0 0 0 0 0 A H 7 2 0 0 00 0 0 n V W0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A l m. 684,86IQ

(No Mod al.)

m. 684,86l. 'Pat'ented Oct. 22, 19,01. A

a. m. PETERS. q I APPARATUS FOR PACKING CARTRIDGES IN, BOXES. I

(Application filed Jan. 6, 1899.) I (No Model.) I 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Maui b No. 684,86 Pa tented Oct. 22, [90L -a. m. PETERS.

APPARATUS FUR PACKING CARTRIDGES 1N. BOXES.

6 Sheets-vSheet 3.

(Application filed Jan. 5, 1899.)

(No Model.)

No. 684,86I. Patented Oct. 22, IBM.

6. m. PETERS. J

APPARATUS FOR PACKING CARTRIDGES IN BOXE S v (Application filed Jan. 5, 1899.) (No Model.) s Sheets--Shaat 4.

No. 684,86l. Patented Oct. 22, um

a. m. PETERS.

APPAnATus FUR PACKING CARTRIDGES m BOXES.

' (Application filed. Jam 5, was.

(No Model.) I 0 GSheets-Sheet 5.

cfio' ooooo 000.0/00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 0000 0 0000000000 00000 00000 09000 00000 000 00000 66063 OOOGG 000 00000 00000 0 0 00000 0,0 0 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 -W 00000 00009 00000 00000 0*0000 (30000 00000 mom 0000100000 00000 0 QOOOOGOOOOOOOOGOOOOQ 00000 OOOQQ 00000 0000) 00000 00 0'00 00000 00000 00000 000.00 0. 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 0 00000 00000 00000 00000 0000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00003 00000 00000 00000 00000 0000 00000 00000 I 00000 00000 00006 00 00000 00000 000400 090(1) 00000 :0000 (DOOOO ::=0: 0::: 0 00000 :0000 0 00 00000 @0069 0 0 00000 0000 00%;; 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00006 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 @0060 OOOOCD 500000 00000 @0606 GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 00096 00000 00000 0000000006 00000 00000 000:0 000 00000 0090 0000 00000 00000 00000 00 0 03 00000 @0000 00000 00000 00000 00000 000 :ggg: 322:. 09099 0". 02:0: 0 0 @0000 @0006 @0900 OOGOOOGOOOOOOOOOOOOO 00000 -OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO0OOOO 00000 03000 00000 00000 00060 0000 N0. 684,86l. 4 Patented Oct. 22:1901.

a; m. PETERS. 1 APPARATUS FUR PACKING CARTRIDGES'IN BOXES.

Rum.)

6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

UNITED STATES FATENT FICE.

GERSHOM MOORE PETERS, OF. CINCINNATI, OHIO.

APPARATUS FOR F ACKING CARTRlDGES vIN BOXES.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent N0. 684,861, dated October 22, 1901. Application filed January 5, 1899. Serial No. 701,203. '(No model.)

To ZZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GERsHoM MOORE PE- TERS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Apparatus for Packing Oartridgesin Boxes'o which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for packing cartridges in boxes.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of simple construction whereby metallic cartridges may be rapidly arranged in proper relation and'assembled for being received in packing-boxes suitable for storing and shipping the same. I

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, arrangement, and location of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

Refering to the accompanying drawings and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure l is a side elevation of the greasing-plate, showing the arrangement of cartridges therein while being. greased. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the con'- struction shown in Fig. 1, the cartridge-retaining plate being shown in partially-withdrawn position. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the greasing-plate in position to be placed upon the forming-plate in order to deliver the cartridges into the forming-. plate. Fig. 4 is a broken end elevation, parts in vertical transverse section, showing in full lines the relative arrangement of the formingplate and condenser, the cartridges being shown in the forming-plate after the first application of the greasing-plate, the dotted lines illustrating the manner of delivering the cartridges from the forming-plate to the condenser. Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus, illustrating the mannor of applying the greasing-plate with a load of cartridges to the forming-plate after the latter has been reversed. Fig. 6 is a similar view showing, the cartridges deposited in proper relation into the condenser with the forming-plate returned to its initial position. Fig. 7 is a'transverse sectional view of the condenser, showing the cartridges condensed therein and the packing-box inserted ready to receive the condensed cartridges. Fig. 8 is a broken detail view in top plan, illustrating the manner of closing the end walls of the condenser-compartments upon each other. Fig. 9 is an enlarged broken sectional View,

the plane of section being transverse of the transverse section of the same on the line a a,

Fig. 12, looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig.- 14 is a broken detail view in perspective,

showing the lugs on the forming-plate for properly centering the greasing-plate when applied thereto in proper registering relation. Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the condenser, showing the side and end walls of the compartments thereof in their retracted or expanded position. Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view-of the same with the side and end walls of the compartments in' their expanded or separated position. Fig. 17 isa view similar to Fig. 16, showing the arrangement of parts with the side and end walls of the condensercompartments contracted or closed upon each other. Fig. 18 is a broken end elevation, parts broken out and in section, of the condenser in position for delivering the packingboxes filled with the cartridges.

The same part is designated by the same reference-signwherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In the packing of cartridges in boxes 'for storing or shipping it is usually customary to pack the cartridges fifty to a .box and to arrange the cartridges in a perpendicular manner in the box wit-h each alternate cartridge oppositely presented-that is, with the butts or cap ends of every other cartridge presented downwardly and with the points or bullet ends of the intermediate cartridges presented downwardly-in order that the packages or boxes may-be solid and occupy the least possible space. This work of packing the boxes has heretofore been generally acclearly in Fig. 2, each division containing a series of holes or perforations corresponding complished by hand. It is. the purpose of the present invention to provide an apparatus whereby the sameresults may be accomplished mechanically, thus greatly assisting and facilitating the packing and enabling this work to be done more rapidly than heretofore and at less expense. 1

In carrying out my invention I provide a plate A, which I will hereinafter designate the greasin'grplate, and'I divide said plate into ,divisions on lines as indicated most in number to one-half the number of car tridges to be packed in a single box, the said perforations or openings in each division being arranged with respect to each other to correspond to the position in the box when finallypacked of the cartridges which present their butt or cap ends all the same waythat is, separated from each other a distance corresponding to the distance in the completed or packed box between each alternate cartridge. The series of perforations or openings indicated at B, Fig. 2, are of just sufficient diameter to permit the bodies of the cartridges 0 to readily and easily pass therethrough, but not of snfiicient diameter to permit the butt or cap ends of the cartridges to pass through. The cartridges are shaken or otherwise placed with their bodies projecting through the holes B of plate A, being suspended by their butt or cap ends, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. When all the holes or openings in the plate A are thus filled, the bullet ends of the cartridges may be dipped in the usual manner into heated grease. lar form shown, to which, however, the invention is not limited, the gre'asing'plate A is divided into divisions, each of which contains twenty-five openings or holes 13, thus adapting the plate for use in packing boxes containing fifty cartridges, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. It is obvious,

however, that each division of the greasingplate may contain any desired number of perforations or openings, according to the number of cartridges which it is desired to pack in eachbox. At each edge the greasing-plate A is provided with a flange D, forming a way to receivet-he edges of a retainingplate. E, wherebyby sliding saidretainingplate underneath the flanges D and between such flanges and the surface of plate A the cartridges suspended in the greasing-plate may be retained therein while the greasingplate A is being handled or its position reversed, the retaining-plate E, if desired, being provided with a handhold F in order to enable it to be readily inserted or withdrawn, as will be readily understood. 'After the cartridges, supported or suspended, as.

. above described, in or by the greasing-plate,

have been sufficicntly drained of any surplus grease after being dipped, in case'the usual custom of dipping or greasing the cartridges is pursued, the cartridges contained In the particu- 1 in or carried by the greasing-plate are delivered therefrom into what I shall hereinafter designate the forming-plate Gr.- This forming-plate, as clearly shown. in Fig. 12, is divided into divisions similar to the divisions above described with reference to the greas ing plate, and said forming-plate is provided with openings or perforations H there; through of a length corresponding to or slightly greater than the length of the eartridges and of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cap or butt ends of the cartridges, thus enabling the cartridges to be received wholly within said openings or per-.

forations. In practice I prefer to arrange the perforations H as close together as possi: ble, while permitting adjacent cartridges to just move past each other. While I have provided each division of the greasing-plate with a series of holes or openings'B, corresponding to one-half the number of cartridges to be packed -in a single box in the formingplate, on the contrary I provide in each division a series of passages or openings H, corresponding in number to the entire number of cartridges to be packed in a single box. In the operation of transferring or delivering the cartridges from the greasing-plate to the forming-plate I place the greasing-plate, withthe cartridges supported therein, upon or over the forming-plate, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, in a position for the cartridges*supported by the greasing-plate to register with alternate passages or openings H in the formingeplate. in the alinement and proper registering relation of the greasingrplate and forming-plate. Many specifically-different expedients may be employed for securing this result. In the particular form shown, to which, however, the invention is not limited, I provide in the sides or edgesof the forming-plate suitable projections or lugs J, adapted to receive therebetween suitable projections K, carried by or mounted on the greasing-plate, as clearly It is desirable to secure accuracy shown in-Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, 13, and 14. By this arrangement provision is made whereby without special care the greasing-plate,containing its load of cartridges, may be quickly placed" in'position over or upon the forming-plate for the cartridges contained therein to be readily.

plate, it being remembered that only every alternate opening or passage H in each division of the forming-plate receives a cartridge, as clearly shown in Fig. 4, and all the butt or cap ends of the cartridges being presented in the same direction. The cartridges thus deposited into the openings II of the forming-plate are prevented from passing or falling all the way through by means of a floorplate L, suitably arranged underneath the forming-plate, as clearlyshown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. The next step in the operation is to provide means whereby the alternating empty spaces oropenings in the forming-plate may receive a corresponding charge of cartridges arranged in reverse order-that is, with the butt or cap ends thereof presented in a direction opposite to that in which the cap or buttends of the cartridges first delivered present. To this end I provide means whereby the position of the forming-plate may be reversed as, for instance, by turning over the formingplate edge for edge. This resultmay be accomplished in many specifically diderent ways. While, therefore, I have shown and will now describe a particular arrangement, I do not desire to be limited or restricted thereto, as many changes therein and variations therefrom would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. In the form shown I suitably hinge or pivot the forming-plate G at one of the side edges thereof, as indicated at M, (see Fig. 12,) upon a rod or other suitable support N, the floorplate L being hinged about the same support. By this construction it will be seen that after the greasing-plate has been once emptied into the forming-plate and removed the formingplate may be swung over into position to bring the bottom side thereof upwardly, as indieated most clearly in dotted lines in Figs. 4 and 5. In order toretain the cartridges in the forming-plate when said plate is reversed, as above explained, I provide the said plate with suitable grooves, as indicated at 0, (see Figs. 3, at, 6, 13, and 14,) adapted to receive a plate P,which forms the floor, so to speak, of the forming-plate in its reverse position, the floor-plate L of said forming-plate when in its initial position being turned with the forming-plate about its. pivotal support in order to retain the cartridges in the seats or openings through such plate, as clearly indicated in Fig. 4. After the forming-plate has been thus reversed the floor-plate L may be returned or swung back to its original position, as seen in Fig. 5. With the formingplate in its reversed position, as shown in Fig. 5, the greasing-plate A, with a fresh load of cartridges, is again applied thereto, the reversing of the forming-plate bringing the alternate unfilled openings H therein into proper position to receive the second charge of cartridges from the greasing-plate. Thus it will be seen that while the arrangement or pattern of the openings or holes in the] forming-plate and in the greasingplate always remains t-he same, by reversing the forming-plate the cartriges contained in the greasing-plate are brought into position to exactly fill the open spaces left in a corresponding division of the forming-plate by the first filling. In other words, in the particular form shown, to which, however, the

invention is not limited, the same arrangiment of the cartridges in the greasing-plauwill answer for the filling ol' the formingplate, according as it is turned one wav or the other. It will also be seen by reference to Fig. 5 that the cartridges supplied to the forming-plate in the second delivery from the greasing-plate are arranged in reverse po sition with respect to the cartridges supplied in the first filling or delivery-that is to say, the'cartridges dropfrom the greasing-plate in the same position at both deliveries; but at the first delivery the cartridges are dropped into the forming-plate from one side thereof, and in the second delivery they are dropped into said plate from the other side thereof, 21 clearly seenin Fig. 5.'

In practice and as shown, but'to which the invention is not limited, each greasing-plate A is divided into three rows, each row containing three of the divisions above referred to, and the forming-plate is divided into nine rows, each row containing three of the divisions.

ing-plate and also in the forming-plate may be varied or altered at pleasure without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. The openings are preferably formed in the forming-plate by boring the same from one side through to the other, thus forming separate chambers, in each of which a cartridge is received, as clearly shown in Fig. 5, and in order to bring the cartridges deposited therein in as close relation as possible without injuring the strength of the forming-plate the holes or chambers are bored so as to be tangent to each other in a line across the length of the divisions of said plate, as elearlyshown in Fig. 12, but with a desirable distance left between adjacent transverse rows of the div'isions to give strength and rigidity to the forming-plate. With the same object in view a considerable space is left between adjacent divisions, (see Fig. 12,) thus leaving substantial webs or solid portions of said plates between such divisions. Thus it will be seen that the cartridges occupying the'same transverse row of holes in each division of the forming-plate occupy such relative positions therein that they will just pass by each other lengthwise, each cartridge being contained in a separate passage or chamber in the forming-plate.

The next step in the operation of boxing the cartridges is to assemble the same in suitable relation and in suitable numbers to be received in the boxes. This result cannot be accomplishedso long as the cartridges are in the forming-plate, for the reason that each cartridge is containedin a separate chamber. Therefore it is necessary to deliver the cartridges from the forming-platein such nanner that all the cartridges designed to be con tained in a single box are associated together.: A ter this delivery takes placeit is also necessary to condense the cartridges thus as- It is obvious, however, that this particular arrangement of the divisions in the greasllC sembled, so as to take up the space necessarily resulting in the group of cartridges delivered from each division of the forming-plate. Many specifically difierent arrangements of apparatus for accomplishing this condensation of the groups of cartridges may be de vised without departure from the spirit and scope of the generic idea. While I have shown and will now describe a simple and etficient apparatus embodying the principles of myinvention and wherein the result sought is accomplished in an expeditious and satisfactory manner, I desire it to be understood the forming-plate, (see Fig.'15,) eachcom-- partment adapted to receive the cartridges contained inoneof the divisions of the forming-plate. With the parts in the position in- .dicated in dotted lines in Fi 4 and in full lines in Figs. 5 and 6 the retaining-plate P, which up to this time has formed a removable bottom or floor for the forming-plate. in its reversed position, said retaining-plate being received in the grooves O, as above explained, is withdrawn, thus permitting the cartridges contained in the 'formingplate which occupy the required relative positions for being packed in the boxes to drop from their chambers in the forming-plate into the compartments of the condenser, each condenser-compartment receivingthecartridges contained in one of the divisions of the forming-plate, as clearly shown in Fig. 6. this delivery of the cartridge into the compartments of the condenser, is completed, the forming-plate G is again swung upon its pivot N into its initial position to receive further charges of cartridges in the manner above explained. From the foregoing description it will be seen that at this point in the operation all the cartridges designed to be contained in a-single packing-box-and arranged in suitable packing relationthat is, each alternate car,- tridge having its butt or cap end presented in one direction and the intermediate cartridges having theircap ends presented in the opposite directionare assembled in a single compartment of the condenser; but by reason of the space between the unfilled chambers or passagesin the forming-plate, each of which contained a cartridge, it will beobserved that when the cartridges are thus assembled in the various compartments of the condenser considerable space will be left between the cartridges, as clearly indicated in Fig. 9.

Whenwalls, and I provide means; for contracting or closing said movable side and end walls upon each other to effect the condensation of the cartridges. A simple and eificient construction for accomplishing this result is shown, wherein the condenser comprises a frame composed of a series of slats R S, (see. bottom plan view, Figs. 16 and 17,) the slats R and S alternating with each other. 'Each of the slats R is provided with plates T, which constitute the side walls of the condenser-compartme'nts. The intermediate slats S have movably mounted thereon projecting flanges W, constituting the end walls of the compartments. The several slatsR and S are suitably supported in the condenser-frame for lateral movement relative to each other, and in the particular form shown, to which,

however, the invention is not limited, each flange or plate T extends transversely across the. condenser-frame and constitutes the side wall for all the compartments in each transverse row of compartments, and, together;

with the slats R, upon which they mounted, they move laterally with respect to each other, so as to contract the space between them in .the operation of condensing the cartridges.

The flanges W, however, are mounted upon slats S for movement longitudinally thereof, thus contracting the space endwise of said slats between the ends of each compartment. These end walls W are of a length corresponding to the transverse dimensions of' the compartment in its contracted condition.

A convenient arrangment of the movable partitions or flanges W is shown, wherein each flange is formed with or has connected thereto a projection A, arranged to be received in a groove B, formed longitudinallyin the top surface of the slats S, thus constituting a guide for the movable end walls W. (See Figs. 9, 10, and 11.) The end walls of the several compartments of the condenser at the extreme left edge of the condenser-frame, as viewed in Figs. 6, 7, and 15 and which I will distinguish from the other end walls by reference-sign VV', are fixed against movement relative to the slat carry ing the movable walls for the compartmentscontained in the same transverse row. By this arrangement, to which, however, the mvention is not limited, I am enabled to elfect a' contraction of the compartments endwise by moving all the end'walls W in the transverse row of compartments toward said fixed end walls W. To this end the'first end .wallW next adjacent to the fixed end wall .W is

provided with a guide-arm A of a length.

which permits the end thereof to abut against a suitable stop or shoulder such, for instance, as shown at 0, Figs. Gand 7--when said end walls W W occupy their contracted positionsthat is, when said .end walls are closed upon each other to condense the cartridges. Similarly the guide A of the second end wall W from the stationary end wall W in the same transverse row of compartments of the condenser is shouldered, as at D, (see Fig. 7,) and in the reduced portion forming such shoulder slides a flange E of the first end wall WV, as clearly shown in Fig. 7, a set-screw F working in a slot (indicated at G) in flange E. Similarly the guide-arm A of each succeeding end wall of the transverse row of compartments is also reduced to form a shoulder D and receiving a flange E on the preceding end wall W, which flange is slotted, as at G, to receive a set-screw F, carried by the guide-arm A of the outer movable wall, and so on. From this arrangement it will be seen that when the outermost end wall lV-that is, the extreme end wall W at the right-hand side of the condenser-frame, as viewed in Figs. 6 and 15is,moved toward the left the slide-guide A travels in the longitudinal groove B in slat S,and the setscrew F travels in the slot G in the flange E of the next adjacent end wall I on the left until the limit of slot G is reached and the end of the slide A of the outer end wall abuts against a shoulder upon the next adjacent end wall to the left. v when the two outermost end walls have been contracted or moved toward each other the desired extent to effect a compression of the compartment to the desired degree endwise thereof, as clearly shown in Fig. 7. Thereafter continued movement of the outermost end wall W toward the left will cause thetwo outermost end walls to move together in their contracted positions until this movement is taken up by the next adjacent end wall on the left,'which point will be reached when the next adjacent compartment has been; contracted to the limit endwise thereof, and so on until all the compartments in the same row are contracted endwise by being closed upon the stationary end wall Wthat is, until the slide A of the first end wall to the right of the stationary end wall XV (see Fig. 7) abuts against the shoulder'O. space between the stationary end wall W and the next adjacent'end wall in the same row therewith, through'which the movable end wall must travel toeffect a compression to the desired degree, isone-fourth of an inch,

then the second end wall from the stationary end wall must move through twice that space, or one-half an inch, .in order to efiectflthe properlcontraction of the first two compartments, and similarly the third wall from the stationary end wall W must move three times, as far, or three-fourths of an inch, a'nd'so on. In the same manner after the compartments have been contracted and it is desired to This point is reached Thus if the limitof' -upon each other.

separate the end walls by applying power to the end wall Won the extreme right -for inrow therewith-said movable end wall will first move a distance corresponding to the maximum space between it and the next adjacent end wall, on the left-that is, until screw F travels the length of slot Gand thereafter the two end walls will move in unison until the distance between the next two end walls is increased to its maximum, and so on until all the end walls have been again separated to their widest extennthe movements of the end walls being telescopically upon each other, as will be understood. In the same way provision is made for collapsing the slats R S laterally upon each other, and with this object in view the slat at one of the extreme ends of the condenserframe is in the particular form shown made immovableor rigid. Thisslatis distinguished from the others by reference-sign H, (see Figs. 15, 1G, and 17,) and the first side wall;

which is distinguished from the others by reference-sign T, is carried bysaid rigid slat. As will be seen by reference to the bottom plan views in Figs. 16 and 17 and the top plan view in Fig. 15, the slat at the opposite extreme end of 'the condenser-frame, and which is distinguished from the others by reference-sign H carries the extreme movable side wall T and is connected to the next adjacent movable slat S of the condenser too through one or more suitable plates J, said plates J being secured .to the slat S and hav-' ing a slot K in the end thereof, in which slot operates a screw L, carried by the slat H By this arrangement it will be seen that slat H is permitted lateral movement relative to the next adjacent slat S, dependent in extent upon the length of slots K. In a similar manner the plates J are connected through slots K and screws L with the next adjacent slat R on the other side ol slat S. In the same manner all the slats of the condenser-frame throughout are connected up, thus permitting said slats to be collapsed ormoved upon each other when power is applied to the extreme end slat H 'Thus when the end slat H is moved or collapsed upon its next adjacent slat then the two slats move together until the play between'the' second and third slats is taken up,and thereafter the three move together toward the stationary slat H, and so on throughout the entire condenser. In this manner the side walls of the condenser-compartments are collapsed or closed It is evident that many other arrangements for accomplishingthe same result may be em ployed', and therefore the in vention :is not limitedto the particular v constructionand arrangement shown, that shown having beenfound in practice to be suitable and adapted to. the purposes in view It is obvious thatthe slat construction'of condenser-frame is not absolutely necessary,

as any other construction wherein the side and end walls of the condenser-compartments may be closed upon each other to contract the area of such compartments would serve the same purpose. In case a slatted construction of condenser is employed the cartridges may be prevented from falling through between the slats when such cartridges are delivered to the condenser in any suitable or convenient manner-as, for instance, by means of the plates M, (see Figs. 11 and 15)- which may be suitably secured upon the top surfaces of the slats, the side walls T having passages N formed therein (see Figs. 9 and 10) to accommodate such plates M, and in order to permit of the movement of the end walls W the plates M may be slotted, as at O'. ;Any suitable or convenient means may be employed for efi'ecting the movements of the side and end walls of the condenser-compartments toward or from each other to contract or increase the area ofv such compartments in ,operating-lever P, said leverbeing pivotally mounted in the particular form shown'inte'rmediate its ends upon a suitable part of the condenser-frameas, for'instance, the transverse brace or plate Q. The inner end of said lever is connected by means of a link R to a bar S. Said bar is connected to to move with a rod A upon which aremounted to slide sleeves B Each sleeve 13 is connected to the end wall W in each row of compartments in the condenser which is farthest away from the corresponding stationary end wall Wat the opposite side of the condenserframe and in the same row of compartments therewith. From this construction it will be seen that when lever P is swung about its pivot it will cause the bar S and connected rod A to move laterally with respect to themselves and transversely across the condenser- .frame, and through the connection of the sleeves B with the end walls at one side of the condenser-frame said end walls are 'collapsed upon the end wall of the next adjacent compartment in the respective rows of compartments, and thereafter the two end walls move together until the second one is col lapsed upon the third the required distance,

and the three will then move together or in unison, and so on until all the end walls of all the compartments of the condenser-plate are collapsed or moved toward each other to the required limit. In order that the collapsingupon'or the movement of the end walls toward each other may be efiected simultathat when the lever P is rocked to efiecta movement of the end walls of the several compartments of the condenser toward each other the same movement of said lever will efiect the movement of the side walls of the compartments toward each other, thus simultaneously contracting thearea of the condenser-compartments at the sides and ends in the manner above described. It will be observed that the slat H to which the end of the link D is connected, is broader than the other slats of the condenser-frame. The object of this construction is to enable said slat to withstand the strain to which it is subjected during the movements of the sidewalls of the condenser-compartments. In fact, it will. be seen the entire power is applied solely upon this individual slat both in moving the side walls of the compartments toward each other and also away from each other. If desired and in order to still further strengthen the slat H a brace J may he provided. (See particularly Figs. 9, 10, and 15.)

In Fig. 15 I have shown in top plan the I and end walls of the compartments, as shown in Fig. 15. In Fig. 17 I have shown the operating parts in the positions occupied thereby when the sideand end walls of the compartments are closed upon each other. Fig. 9 I have shown in a section taken transversely of the length of .tlie condenser-compartments the arrangement of the cartridges before the condensation thereof takes place. In Fig. 10 I have shown the same parts after the condensation and with the packing-box K inverted over the cartridges and partially telescoped thereon. I have shown in Fig. 7 a view similar to Fig; 10 in a section longitudinally of the condenser-compartments, showing the arrangement after the compressionhas taken place, with, the boxes Kpartially telescoped upon the condensed batches of cartridges. It will be observed that the top edges of the side andend walls W W T T are beveled. The purpose of thisarrangement is to facilitate the insertion of the edges of the packing-boxes around the compacted groups of cartridges contained in the several compartments. After the side andend walls of the compartmentshave been contracted upon each other to condense the cartridges into a'compact mass to receive the boxes the boxes are inverted and the edges of the boxes are telescoped over the condensed group of cartridges. The lever P is then rocked in a direction to partially open or move the sideand end walls away from each other in order that the boxes may he slipped down into place in the compartments, telescoping over (See Figs. 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, and 18.) By this.

construction I am enabled to swing the condenser-frame, with the boxes firmly held and clamped therein, into the position shown in Fig. 18, with the bottoms of the boxes resting upon a conveniently-arranged table M When in this position, by suitably operating the lever P the side and end walls of the compartments may be separated, thus releasing the filled boxes and depositing the same upon the table M Thereafter the condenserframe Q may be swung back again about its pivot L into position to receive another charge of cartridges,when the operation above described may be repeated. In practice and in order to efiect the operations-expeditiously and without delay I may so mount the condensing-frame Q that when 'it receives a charge of cartridges it may be moved to one side and another condenser-frame brought into the proper position to be filled, so that the operation of condensing the'cartridges in the condenser and of applying the packingboxes and of discharging the filled boxes therefrom may not interfere with or interrupt the operation of the greasing and forming plates and the filling ofthe condensercompartments with fresh charges of cartridges. This result may be accomplished in manydifierent ways. In the particular form shown, to which, however, the invention is not limited, the hinge-pin L about which the condenser-frame swings, may be in the form of a rod of extended length, and the condenserframe may be hinged thereon by means of sleeves P which may freely slide along said rod. At the opposite edge of the condenserframe I provide one or more shoes Q (see Figs. 5, 6, 16, 17, and 18,) these shoes being arranged to ride upon a track R From this construction it will be seen that when a condenser-frame has received a full load of cartridges from the forming-plate said condenserframe may be slid along out of the way'and an empty frame moved up into position to again receive cartridges in the compartments thereof from the forming-plate while the previously-loaded condenser-frame is having the boxes applied to the cartridges and discharged therefrom.

The operation of the apparatus will be readily understood from the foregoing description and is as follows: Cartridges are shaken or otherwise placed in the holes through the greasing-plate, being suspended by their butt or cap ends in such plate. In this positionthey may be dipped in the grease and then the greasing-plate placed over the formingplate and the cartridges deposited therein, a cartridge in this first filling being deposited only in every alternate chamber of the forming-plate and with all their butt or cap ends presented in the same direction. The forming-plate is then reversed side for side, and the same or another greasing-plate similarly filled with cartridges is again emptied into the forming-plate,the cartridges in the second filling being deposited in the alternate chambers of the forming-plate left blank or vacant from the first filling, thus fillingall the charm.

bers in the forming-plate with cartridges, half of which present their butt-ends in one direction and the other half presenting their buttends in the other direction, the cartridges alternating with each other with respect to the direction in which they present their buttends. From the forming-plate the cartridges are deposited into the condenser, where they are condensed into compact groups, each group containing the required number ofcar tridges to fill a packing-box. The packingboxes are now applied and are delivered filled with the cartridges in compact condition and properly condensed and arranged ready for storing or shipping when the tops of the packing-boxes are placed thereon.

It will be observed that I provide an exceedingly simple and eflicient apparatus for accomplishing these several operations. It will also be seen that the work of packing the cartridges in boxes, which has heretofore been generally accomplished by hand and was consequently slow and tedious, is by the arrangement of apparatus above described accomplished mechanically and expeditiously, thus making a large saving in time, as well as in the expense attending such packing.

ICC

I desire it to be understood that many changes and variations in the details of construction and arrangement of parts would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of myinvention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact construction shown and described; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and a form of apparatus in- Y together for lateral movement relative to each other and carrying the side walls of compartments, each compartment adapted to receive f able slats, each alternate I wall of said compartments, plates the cartridges to be boxed, and means for moving said slats laterally to close the space contracted to condense the cartridges contained in said compartments, as and for the purpose set forth. 7

3. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a

condenser having compartments, each adapted to, receive the required number of cartridges to fill a packing-box, laterally-movslat carrying a side or projections carried by the intermediate slats, said plates or projections being movable longitudinally with respect to the slats and forming the end walls of said compartments, means for moving said slats upon each other to contract the side .walls of saidcompartments, and means for moving the end walls to contract the space between them, as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having compartments, each adapted to receive the required number ofcartridges to fill a packing-box, movable slats carrying the side and end walls of said condenser, means for moving-said slats laterally toward or from each other to contract the area of said compartments, and plates secured upon said slats to retain the cartridges in said compartments when supplied thereto, and to prevent the same from falling through said slats; as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having a bottom composed of slats,

said slats being laterally'movable with respect to each other, and carrying plates'vor separated, each alternate expand the area of having grooves or projections forming the side and end walls of compartments, each compartment adapted to receive the required number of cartridges to fill a packingbox, means for moving said slats toward or from each other to contract or saidcompartments, and plates carried by said slats, said side walls passages to receive said plates, as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having a bottom composed of slats, said slats being laterally movable with respect to each other and linked to each other to permit said slats to be crowded together or slat carrying projecting plates forming the side walls of compartments, projections or plates carriedby the intermediate slats, said projections or plates being movable lengthwiseof the slats and relative to each other and end walls of said compartments, plates carried by said intermediate slats and forming the floor for said compartments, and means for moving said side and end walls toward each other respectively, as and for the purpose set forth.

7. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having a' plurality of compartments adapted to receive the cartridges, the side and end walls of said compartments being movable toward and from each other to con-' tract the area of said compartments, and a lever connections between'said lever and said side and end-Walls for simultaneously moving the same,.as and for the purpose set forth. 8. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having a plurality of compartments, each adapted to receive the cartridges in proper relation and of the required number to fill a packing-box, the side and end walls of said compartments being movable toward and from each other respectively, a

lever, and intermediate connections from said lever to said side and end walls, whereby said end walls of all the compartments are simultaneously moved when said lever is actuated, as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In an apparatus for packing cartridges, a condenser composed of slats transversely arranged, the transverse slats at one endof the condenser being stationary, theother of said slats being movable laterally with respect to each other and toward said stationary slat, each alternate slat carrying a longiformingthe I tudinally-arranged projection or plate, forming side walls for compartments, and each intermed iate slat carrying projections or flanges forming the end walls of said compartments,

the projections or flanges at the end of each of said intermediate slats being fixed, and the other flanges or plates carried by the same slat being movable toward said stationary flange, and means for simultaneously moving said slats toward or from each otherand said movable flanges or projections endwise with respect, to said intermediate slats, as and for the purpose set forth.

'10. In an apparatus for boxing cartridges, a condenser having a'bottom composed of movable slats, the alternate slats carrying flanges or plates constituting side walls of cOmpartments the intermediate slats carr ing projecting flanges or plates constituting the end walls of said compartments, a rod mounted for movement longitudinally with respect to said slats, sleeves loosely mounted to slide upon said rod and movable with said rod, said sleeves connected to said end walls, and means for moving said rod and for-collapsing said slats upon each other, as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In an apparatus for packing cartridges,

a forming-plate adapted to receive the car tridges in suitable relative relation to be packed in a box, a condenser arranged in position to receive the cartridges from said forming-p late, an extended rod arranged at one edge of said condenser, upon which said con- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 3d day of January, 1899, in the 10 denser is sleeved, and a track or way adaptpresence of the subscribing witnesses.

ed to receive the opposite edge of said con- 5 denser, whereby when said condenser is filled it may be replaced with an empty condenser in position to be filled from said formingplate, as and for the purpose set forth.

GERSHOM MOORE PETERS.

Witnesses:

J. H. MCKIBBEN, F. C. TUTTLE. 

